Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan

The health and safety of students is a primary concern at UNA. As such, in cases of severe alcohol/drug intoxication and/or alcohol poisoning, the University encourages individuals to seek medical assistance for themselves or others. If an individual seeks medical attention due to his/her level of intoxication, the Office of Student Conduct will not pursue conduct sanctions against the student for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. Additionally, those students who assist in obtaining medical attention for individuals who are intoxicated will not receive student conduct sanctions for violations of the Alcohol Policy in the Code of Conduct. In lieu of student conduct sanctions, the intoxicated student (and possibly the referring student) will be required to meet with the Director of Student Conduct who may recommend educational components such as alcohol education, counseling, and/or an alcohol and substance abuse assessment.

Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response which may include referral to the student conduct system. The Medical Amnesty Policy does not preclude student conduct sanctions due to any other violations of the Code of Conduct (not related to the Alcohol Policy). Likewise, the Medical Amnesty Policy does not prevent action by University Police or other law enforcement personnel. In circumstances where an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending upon the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the Alcohol Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the Alcohol Policy.

For Victims

The University provides amnesty to victims who may be hesitant to report to UNA officials because they fear that they themselves may be accused of minor policy violations, such as underage drinking, at the time of the incident. Educational options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or conduct record will result[1].

For Those Who Offer Assistance

To encourage students to offer help and assistance to others, UNA pursues a policy of amnesty for minor violations when students offer help to others in need. At the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct, amnesty may also be extended on a case-by-case basis to the person receiving assistance. Educational options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or conduct record will result.

For Those Who Report Serious Violations

Students who are engaged in minor violations but who choose to bring related serious violations by others to the attention of the University are offered amnesty for their minor violations. Educational options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or record will result.

Abuse of amnesty requests can result in a decision by the Director of Student Conduct not to extend amnesty to the same person repeatedly.

Safe Harbor

The University has a Safe Harbor rule for students. The University believes that students who have a drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If any UNA student brings their own use, addiction, or dependency to the attention of UNA officials outside the threat of drug tests or conduct sanctions and seeks assistance, a conduct complaint will not be pursued. A written CARE (Campus Assistance, Referral, and Evaluation) action plan may be used to track cooperation with the Safe Harbor program by the student. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and campus conduct processes will be initiated.

[1] Records regarding the provision of amnesty, however, should be maintained.